Ready, Set, Fish! Wisconsin’s 2025 Fishing Season Begins Saturday, May 3

Fishing season in Wisconsin is officially back! The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced that the 2025-2026 general inland fishing season opens statewide on Saturday, May 3rd, and anglers everywhere are gearing up to hit the water.

With more than 15,000 lakes, 42,000 miles of rivers and streams, and plenty of Great Lakes and Mississippi River shoreline, Wisconsin offers endless spots to cast a line. Whether you’re heading to an old favorite or trying somewhere new, there’s no shortage of lakes, rivers, and ponds to plunder.

New this year, the DNR is launching the Wisconsin Fishing Finder, an online tool that helps anglers locate fishing spots, boat launches, access points, and even stocking information. It’s a one-stop shop designed to make your day of fishing easy.

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Before you pack your tackle box, there are a few important things to remember. If you're 16 or older, you’ll need a valid fishing license. Resident licenses are $20, or if you and your spouse like to fish together, you can snag a spousal license for $31. Licenses can be purchased online through Go Wild, at DNR service centers, or at licensed sales locations around the state.

There aren’t many, if any, regulation changes this year, but anglers should always double-check the specific rules for the waters they plan to fish. Updated 2025-2026 fishing regulations are available online and in print.

As anglers gear up for the 2025 fishing season, the DNR is also reminding everyone to help protect Wisconsin’s waters from aquatic invasive species like zebra mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil. Simple actions such as inspecting and cleaning boats, trailers, and fishing gear before and after hitting the water, draining all water from equipment, and properly disposing of bait can make a huge difference. And by taking a few minutes to clean and dry your fishing gear, you’ll be doing your part to keep Wisconsin’s lakes and rivers healthy for future generations of anglers.

The Wisconsin DNR also reminds you to never move live fish between bodies of water. Additionally, if you’re using minnows, only reuse them according to state guidelines.  If you plan on catch-and-release fishing, proper fish handling can make a huge difference in survival rates. And of course, don't forget your life jacket if you're fishing from a boat.

Fishing season is more than just a hobby, it’s a time-honored tradition that brings friends and families together. As a dad, I look forward to time spent on the waters with my kids. So grab your gear, check the regulations, and get ready for another exciting year on Wisconsin’s beautiful waters. For everything you need to know before you go, visit the DNR’s Fishing webpage.